From Delaware Tonight

Secret Sentry:
The Confederate Prison on Pea Patch Island

Fort
Delaware looms in the Delaware River, a powerful reminder
of First State history. In the mid-19th century, it was
the country's largest defense fort, holding as many as
12,500 Confederate prisoners at a time. It was used briefly
in World War II, before being decommissioned in 1944.

The Fort Delaware
Society, a group of advocates concerned with refurbishing
the landmark, was created in 1950. By 1951, Fort Delaware
had undergone sufficient replenishment to earn "State
Park" status. For the last 40 years, Fort Delaware
has been open to the general public as a museum and for
tours.

Join DelawareTonight, as we explore
Fort Delaware. Come behind the granite and stone walls,
and learn the history of the fort, and the secrets of
the soldiers it guarded.